Advent calendars are a fun way to count down to Christmas, and making your own allows you to personalise it for your family while saving money. Plus, a reusable calendar is eco-friendly and can become a cherished tradition year after year! Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own DIY advent calendar.
What You’ll Need
- Materials:
- 24 small containers (e.g., mini gift bags, envelopes, boxes, or fabric pouches)
- A wooden board, string, or a repurposed frame
- Clothespins, hooks, or tape (to attach the containers)
- Decorative items (e.g., stickers, paint, ribbons, or numbers 1–24)
- Small treats or activities to place inside each container
- Tools:
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun or craft glue
- Hole punch (if using paper or fabric pouches)
- Marker or paint for numbering
Step 1: Choose Your Base
Decide how you want your advent calendar to look:
- Hanging Calendar: Use a wooden dowel or repurposed hanger with string attached for hanging pouches or envelopes.
- Board Display: Use a wooden or cork board to pin or attach the containers.
- Repurposed Frame: Attach string or wire to the frame and clip the containers on.
Step 2: Create the Containers
- Envelopes or Bags: Decorate plain envelopes or small paper bags with paint, stickers, or holiday-themed washi tape. Use a marker to number each from 1 to 24.
- Fabric Pouches: Sew or glue small drawstring bags from scraps of fabric or felt. Add numbers using fabric paint or attach tags with string.
- Boxes or Jars: Reuse small gift boxes, tins, or jars. Wrap them in festive paper or decorate with ribbons and bows.
Step 3: Add Hanging or Attachment Points
- For hanging pouches or envelopes, punch holes at the top and thread string or ribbon through to create loops.
- If using a board or frame, attach hooks or use clothespins to secure the containers.
Step 4: Fill the Calendar
Fill each container with small surprises! Here are some budget-friendly ideas:
- Treats: Chocolate, candy canes, or homemade cookies.
- Activities: Write festive activities on slips of paper, such as “Watch a Christmas movie” or “Bake cookies.”
- Craft Supplies: Include items like beads or stickers for mini crafting projects.
- Small Gifts: Mini toys, keychains, or inexpensive trinkets.
Step 5: Assemble Your Calendar
- Attach the numbered containers to your chosen base.
- Arrange them in order or mix them up for a fun scavenger hunt-style countdown.
Step 6: Customize Each Year
One of the best parts about a DIY advent calendar is how easily you can refresh it each year! Change the contents, update the decorations, or add new activities to keep it exciting.
Why DIY?
Making your own advent calendar isn’t just a cost-saving project; it’s a creative activity that brings a personal touch to your holiday season. It’s also a great way to reduce waste by avoiding disposable, store-bought calendars.
If you’re short on time or want something super simple, here are some additional quick ideas to make an advent calendar without much fuss:
1. Peg and String Countdown
- What You Need: String, mini clothespins, paper or card, and a marker.
- Instructions:
- Cut 24 small pieces of paper or card.
- Write numbers 1–24 and decorate them with festive designs.
- Clip each card to a piece of string using the clothespins.
- Hang the string on a wall or across a mantlepiece.
- Add a daily treat or note to the back of each card!
2. Jar of Surprises
- What You Need: A large jar, paper strips, and a marker.
- Instructions:
- Write 24 festive activities or notes on paper strips (e.g., “Sing a Christmas carol,” “Make hot cocoa,” or “Have a family game night”).
- Fold the strips and place them inside the jar.
- Number the outside of the jar with 1–24 using stickers or paint.
- Pull out one note each day as a surprise activity!
3. Envelope Garland
- What You Need: 24 envelopes, tape, and a marker.
- Instructions:
- Decorate each envelope and number them 1–24.
- Fill each with a small treat or activity idea.
- Tape the envelopes to a wall in a tree shape or line them up as a garland.
4. Sticky Note Countdown
- What You Need: Sticky notes and a pen.
- Instructions:
- Write numbers 1–24 on sticky notes.
- Stick them to a wall, fridge, or mirror in a festive shape, such as a tree or star.
- Write a special message or activity under each note to reveal as you peel them off daily.
5. Gift-Wrapped Books
- What You Need: 24 books (from your own collection or a library) and wrapping paper.
- Instructions:
- Wrap each book and number them 1–24.
- Unwrap one book each day for a cozy storytime countdown. Perfect for families with kids!
These quicker ideas are just as fun and festive, and they’re perfect if you’re looking for a no-fuss solution. Whether you go for something intricate or simple, your advent calendar will still bring joy and anticipation to the holiday season! 🎅
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